EAGLESTAR.NET LAND AND PROPERTY REVIEW
http://www.eaglestar.net
Issue #11
April 7, 2008

IN THIS ISSUE:
Properties of the Week
Special Report: Protecting Structures from Wildfire
Sponsor's Corner
Buyer's List and Auction Update
Landterms.com Term of the Week: 100-Year Water Supply


"Don't buy the house, buy the neighborhood."
- Russian Proverb


PROPERTIES OF THE WEEK
Each week we feature several properties that we find especially interesting.

Property #1 - Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina: Custom log cabin on 29.8
acres, with a creek and spectacular views. Special features include a 150 yr
old mantel, wet bar, basement rec room, custom stonework, outdoor fireplace,
and surround-sound system throughout. Visit the property web page at
http://www.eaglestar.net/arm.html.

Property #2 - Horseshoe Beach, Florida: This amazing waterfront lot is
surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico, yet offers total privacy. Currently equipped
with full RV hookups, boat dock, boathouse, and fishing pier. Use it for your
RV or build your Gulf Coast dream home. View photos and details at
http://www.eaglestar.net/mls.html.

Property #3 - Wrangell Harbor, Alaska: 13 acres wooded prime development land
w/in city limits of Wrangell. Overlooks Wrangell Harbor, has at least one
spring and granite deposits suitable for quarrying. Recently surveyed, this
parcel is subdividable (plotted for 50 lots), and has city water, sewer, power,
and garbage service. Approx. 1200 ft. highway frontage. Photos and additional
information at http://www.eaglestar.net/tor.html.


SPECIAL REPORT:
PROTECTING HOMES AND OTHER STRUCTURES FROM WILDFIRE
In last week's newsletter, we discussed some general principles and strategies
for protecting your property from wildfire. This week we offer a step-by-step
guide that can help to safeguard your home or other structures.

Many folks move to secluded, rural properties to enjoy the peace, quiet, and
privacy. Often, such privacy is afforded by various forms of vegetation, such
as shrubs or trees which are adjacent to the house. Unfortunately, this
vegetation is also the primary danger with respect to wildfire, especially if
it is highly flammable. Most home protection guides therefore suggest a safety
zone with a 30-foot radius surrounding the house or other structure. Within
this zone, the amount of vegetation should be minimal. Since fire spreads
faster upslope, consider extending this radius on the downhill side if you live
on a hill or slope. The primary idea is to create a "defensible space" within
which firefighting professionals have a good chance of saving the structure.

Within the 30-foot zone immediately surrounding your home or other structure,
follow the "15-15-15" rule. Thin crowns of trees so they are at least 15 feet
apart, and remove limbs and branches within 15 feet of the ground. Prune or
remove trees or shrubs that are within 15 feet of a chimney or stove pipe.
Evergreens such as juniper, pine, fir, and spruce, as well as eucalypts, are
highly flammable and should be removed if possible. If desired, replace these
trees and shrubs with less-flammable species. Ask your local fire department,
nursery, or agricultural extension office for suggestions on which species are
suitable. If you have a lawn, keep the grass no longer than 2 inches, and keep
it short near areas where vehicles are present, since vehicle exhaust can
quickly ignite a fire. Keep your lawn well-watered at all times during the
wildfire season.

In addition to live vegetation management, there are other steps you can take
to protect your home. Make sure all organic litter such as leaves, pine
needles, branches, and evergreen cones are cleared from the area, especially
under decks and porches. Clear all flammable materials that are within 30 feet
of a structure. Bury electric lines underground, if possible. Use spark
arrestors on chimneys and stove pipes to prevent live embers from landing on
nearby vegetation or on the house itself. Keep firewood at least 30 feet away
and uphill from the house. Use fire-resistant materials in construction, such
as adobe, stucco, rock, concrete, or brick for siding, and metal or asphalt
shingles for the roof.

If a fire is approcahing your home, take the following steps to maximize the
chances that you and your home will remain safe. The first and most important
step is to prepare for evacuation. No home or other structure is worth a
life. Evacuate children, pets, the elderly, and those people not essential for
structure protection IMMEDIATELY. If you choose to remain behind, change into
clothing that will offer some protection. Clear the area surrounding all
structures of any objects - move these outside your defensible space. Close
all doors and shutters and remove flammable curtains or drapes from the
windows. Turn off natural gas or propane supplies at the source. Connect all
garden hoses, and begin filling anything large that will hold water. Prepare
any water pumps for use. Place a ladder against the house where it can be
easily seen. Place all valuables and personal items you wish to save in your
vehicle, back the vehicle into your driveway, and roll up all windows. If you
can see the fire approaching, leave immediately. Before you leave, turn on all
lights in the home and leave the doors unlocked to provide access and
visibility for firefighters.

Following these steps can help both you and your home to survive a wildfire.
Keep in mind that in some cases, no amount of planning and foresight is enough
to prevent the loss of a home or other structure. Remember also that losing a
home to wildfire is always preferable to severe injury or death. If in doubt,
evacuate immediately.


SPONSOR'S CORNER
Please support our sponsor by visiting the property web page at
http://www.eaglestar.net/swngl.html.

1,858 ACRES PLUS NATIONAL FOREST GRAZING IN LAKE COUNTY, OREGON.
Approx. 90 acres irrigated and sub-irrigated pasture, seasonal streams and
ponds, ravines, and several plateau building sites with gorgeous views. Most
is rolling juniper-grassland, grading into ponderosa pine near the northwest
corner. The irrigated land is primarily suited for grass-grazing, but there is
adequate water to produce a hay crop if desired. Present owners graze 350 pair
for 1-2 months in spring, then use National Forest grazing permit and lease,
which may be available to new owners as well. Great hunting property, with
abundant mule deer including bucks. See beautiful photos, details, and contact
information at http://www.eaglestar.net/swngl.html.


BUYER'S LIST AND AUCTION UPDATE
http://www.eaglestar.net/Land_Buyers_List/index.html
http://www.eaglestar.net/Land_Auction_Calendar/index.html

Wanted: Hunting lands in northeast Kansas. Please refer to buyer #20481.

Looking in: Ohio - Licking, Muskingum or Coshocton Counties
I would like to lease about 1000-3000 acres of hunting land and farmhouse that
would be big enough to sleep 6-10 people. Also I would like to buy a small
tract of land around 5-10 acres or possibly 100-200 acres. This would be ideal
if I could lease a large property next to the land I purchase, also be
interested in building a hunting cabin on the property that I bought. Please
refer to buyer #20479.

Lincoln County, Kentucky: Farm Auction April 26, 2008, 1:00pm.
Large country home with 2-car garage, 1500+ft. road frontage, nice 37x50 block
work shop. Tobacco barn, shed/corncrib, 7000 bu. grain bin. Two ponds, good
hunting (deer, turkey, quail, etc.). 113 acres, cropland, pasture, and woods.
with possibilities. Photos and details at http://www.eaglestar.net/scw.html.

Lincoln County, Kentucky: Land Auction April 26, 2008, 1:00pm.
42 rolling acres, 85% cleared, 15% wooded. Fenced, on paved state highway. Barn
with small fenced lot, city water available, lots of possibilities. Photos and
details at http://www.eaglestar.net/scw1-.html.

Adair County, Kentucky: Estate Auction April 26, 2008, 10:00am.
196 acres, 4 tracts, new survey. Property is very private and offers
all-around excellent hunting! Good oil well possibilities, many nearby.
Approx. 32 cleared acres, creek-side bottom land. Balance is wooded and
portions may have some marketable timber. Also antiques, household items, 2
older tractors and some antique farm equipment to be auctioned. View photos
and details at http://www.eaglestar.net/Detailed/20444.html.


LANDTERMS.COM TERM OF THE WEEK
http://landterms.com
Each issue we feature a real estate, forestry, natural sciences or other
land-related term from our partner site, Landterms.com.

This week's term: 100-year water supply
Requirement of Arizona's Departments of Water Resources (ADWR) and Real Estate
(ADRE) that developers (subdividers) demonstrate that an assured or adequate
water supply will be physically, legally, and continuously available for the
next 100 years in new subdivisions. If the subdivision is located within one of
ADWR's Active Management Areas (AMA), a public report will not be issued and
lots may not be sold until an assured 100-year water supply is demonstrated.
Outside of AMA's, developers are required to ask ADWR for an assessment of the
availability of water. In these areas, lots may still be sold even if ADWR
deems the water supply inadequate, as long as this information is disclosed to
prospective buyers.

More real estate and development terms at
http://landterms.com/Real_Estate/index.html.


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Email: newsletter@eaglestar.net

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